APTA to Continue Efforts to Promote Physical Therapy as a Distinct Profession

Friday, June 17, 2011

APTA to Continue Efforts to Promote Physical Therapy as a Distinct Profession

Physical therapy is a distinct, self-determined profession and should not be categorized with other professions, para-professions, and technicians, said APTA's House of Delegates (House) in directing APTA to continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities to eliminate, where appropriate, the use of the terms "allied," "allied health," and "ancillary" when referring to the profession of physical therapy and physical therapists. These terms, the House said, can have a negative effect on payment policy, direct access, advocacy efforts, funding opportunities, and consumer recognition of the profession.[RC 21-11]

Comments

That is a great idea. Marketing strategies, such as word choices, applies to healthcare just like other products/services. Repetitive, subtle messages are known to have effects on consumer perceptions.

Posted by Jennifer Robbins
on 6/18/2011 8:10 AM

There absolutely needs to be a distinction. I still find that the public perception is that we are massage therapists. Uggh!